The Assistant Director for Regional Engagement energizes SMU’s base through the expert management and implementation of engagement events and experiences for alumni representing up to six affinity groups across the nation.

As part of the Annual Giving and Alumni Relations (AGAR) team reporting to the Director of Alumni Giving Programs, the role manages a core group of volunteer leaders and collaborates with SMU colleagues to design and execute annual comprehensive, constituent-centric strategies that will advance SMU’s overall philanthropic and engagement goals in preparation for its upcoming comprehensive campaign.

The Assistant Director role is goal-oriented and metrics-driven, engaging in partnerships with SMU colleagues and volunteers to optimize affinity group alumni content and connections with the goal of strengthening the SMU brand for events and programs to increase alumni involvement & evangelism.

Essential Functions: 

• Collaborate with internal & external stakeholders including board members, DEA colleagues and other volunteers to develop, orchestrate and execute a uniquely specific engagement plan for Black Alumni, Hispanic Alumni, Asian Alumni, Pride (LGBTQ), Military Alumni, and up to three more affinity groups, as defined. Recruit, manage and execute board and program activity for each group, resulting in regular meetings and conference calls and the coordination of at least four annual events/experiences per constituency aimed at engagement/connections, giving, volunteer-ism & social networking. Build tailored plans that engage alumni, current parents, incoming students and friends, as appropriate. Optimize events by employing creative ideas to increase attendance and engagement from affinity group prospects in advance of a comprehensive campaign. In regular collaboration with DEA and SMU school and unit colleagues, identify and coordinate compelling opportunities that would elevate annual event experiences for groups by providing additional value to attendees.
• Collaborate with AGAR marketing colleagues for comprehensive event promotion and execution: developing invitations/marketing content, overseeing registration and reporting progress to key stakeholders. In collaboration with coordinator, facilitate all event logistics, including contracts, vendor management, and event execution as needed.
• Identify, recruit, manage, train, retain and steward a core group of volunteer leaders for each group. Set strategy and engage in regular communication to set annual timelines, expectations, deadlines and incentives. Provide regular resources and support, track progress and results against goals, and make data-driven suggestions to optimize future experiences. Coordinate with University colleagues who manage volunteers to ensure consistency of volunteer experience for all participants and reporting consistencies that promote a progressively deepened commitment for future donor pipeline development and further engagement.
• Manage and execute a system for ensuring appropriate, strategic follow-up with event attendees and volunteers after each affinity group experience, to assist with pipeline development and constituent cultivation that may involve digital re-targeting, fundraiser qualification, or donor migration tactics. Maintain appropriate volunteer and event engagement records in SMU’s central database to facilitate tracking alumni engagement as an important metric for distribution to SMU stakeholders.
• Build and manage fundraising strategies related to signature funds, including scholarship funds managed by each affinity group. Set goals and achievable metrics and timelines to accomplish a steady stream of funding to these priorities, collaborating with fundraisers and volunteers to achieve these objectives.
• Manage the programs’ budget to achieve the goal of building signature cost-effective experiences that will inspire increased engagement from our base resulting in financial support for the University. Oversee expenses and revenue for all programs and initiatives and ensure that all financial accounting, reimbursement requests and credit card statements are reconciled on a monthly and annual basis in coordination with team staff support.
• Other duties as assigned
• Postion may required evening or weekend work to accomodate volunteer and event needs

Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in business, marketing or communications, with emphasis on project management.
• A minimum of two years of direct fundraising, marketing, communications, project management and/or or volunteer management experience is required.
• Experience managing or working with volunteers in a professional setting is required. Experience with managing event logistics is required. Project management experience is required
• Experience working with fundraising volunteers is preferred. Experience with boards or high level volunteers is desired. Professional university or non-profit work experience is a plus.
• Experience managing a budget is preferred. Experience with marketing or engaging constituents through social media platforms is highly desired. Knowledge of SMU traditions and culture a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Qualifications: 

• Candidate must demonstrate strong verbal and interpersonal communications skills to communicate effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Must also demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing. A strong customer service orientation is essential.
• Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to be resourceful, proactive and seek assistance as needed. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team is essential.
• Candidate must possess strong organizational, planning and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks with a strong focus on attention to detail.
• Position works with a broad variety of constituents where attention to detail, confidentiality and professionalism is essential.
• High level of Microsoft Office Suite experience, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint is required. Working knowledge of CRM (preferably Blackbaud Enterprise) or content management database software is required.
• Some social media or web design experience is preferred. Willingness to learn new online tools and database programs as needed, required. Experience with project management systems is strongly preferred as is knowledge with web conferencing methods (i.e., Skype, Zoom, Slack, etc.)

Salary Range: Mid 40’s

Deadline to Apply: April 18, 2022

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.